Seat Exeo ST 2010 Owner's manual
Page 251 of 325
Wheels and tyres249
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Wear indicators
The original tyres on your vehicle have 1.6 mm high tread wear indicators
⇒
page 248, fig. 187 , running across the tread. Depending on the make,
there will be six to eight of them evenly spaced around the tyre. Markings on
the tyre sidewall (for instance the letters “TWI” or other symbols) indicate the
positions of the tread wear indicators. The minimum tread depth required by
law is 1.6 mm (measured in the tread grooves next to the tread wear indica-
tors). Worn tyres must be replaced. Different figures may apply in export
countries ⇒.
Tyre pressure
Under-inflation or over-inflation will reduce the life of the tyres considerably
and also impair the vehicle's handling. The inflation pressures are listed on a
sticker on the inside of the fuel tank flap.
Correct inflation pressures are very important, especially at high speeds. The
pressure should therefore be checked at least once a month and before
starting any long journey.
Tyre pressure monitoring (RKA+ )*
Monitoring of the tyre pressures is based on the tyre pressures you have
stored. The tyre pressure monitoring system cannot function as intended if
you store tyre pressure settings for a normal load, but then drive with the
vehicle fully laden. The tyre pressure must be adapted to the actual load and
stored accordingly in the tyre pressure monitoring system ⇒page 247.
Driving style
Fast cornering, heavy acceleration and hard braking all increase tyre wear.
Changing wheels around
If the front tyres are worn considerably more than the rear ones it is advisable
to cha nge t he m ar oun d as sh own ⇒ page 248, fig. 188. All the tyres will then
last for about the same time. Wheel balance
The wheels on new vehicles are balanced. However, various factors encoun-
tered in normal driving can cause them to become unbalanced, which results
in steering vibration.
Unbalanced wheels should be rebalanced, as they otherwise cause excessive
wear on steering, suspension and tyres. A wheel must also be rebalanced
when a new tyre is fitted.
Incorrect wheel alignment
Incorrect wheel alignment causes excessive tyre wear, impairing the safety of
the vehicle. If tyres show excessive wear, you should have the wheel align-
ment checked by an Authorised Service Centre.
WARNING
There is a serious danger of accidents if a tyre bursts during driving!•The tyres must be replaced at the latest when the tread is worn down to
the tread wear indicators. Failure to do so could result in an accident. Worn
tyres do not grip well at high speeds on wet roads. There is also a greater
risk of aquaplaning.•At continuously high speeds, a tyre with insufficient pressure flexes
more. This causes it to overheat. This can cause tread separation and tyre
blow-out. Risk of accident. Always observe the recommended tyre pres-
sures.•If tyres show excessive wear, you should have the running gear checked
by an Authorised Service Centre.•Keep chemicals such as oil, fuel and brake fluid away from tyres.•Damaged wheels and tyres must be replaced immediately!For the sake of the environment
Under-inflated tyres will increase fuel consumption.
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Page 252 of 325
Wheels and tyres
250Run-flat tyres*
Run-flat tyres allow you to continue driving even with a punc-
tured tyre, in the majority of cases.In vehicles that are factory-fitted with run-flat tyres
3) the loss of tyre
pressure is indicated on the instrument panel.
Driving with run-flat tyres (emergency running)
– Leave the ESP/TCS (Electronic Stability Programme) switched on, or switch on ⇒ page 68.
– Continue driving carefully and slowly (80 km/h maximum).
– Avoid sudden manoeuvres and sharp turns.
– Avoid driving over obstacles (for example kerbs) or potholes.
– Look out for the ESP/TCS intervening often, smoke coming from the tyres or the smell of rubber, the vehicle vibrating or a clat-
tering noise. If any of these occur, stop the vehicle.
The run-flat tyres have a tag on the side of the tyre, with the description:
“DSST”, “Eufonia”, “RFT”, “ROF”, “RSC”, “SSR” or “ZP”.
The sides of this type of tyre are reinforced. When the tyres lose air they are
supported on the sides (emergency driving).
The loss of pressure in the tyre is shown on the instrument panel. You can
then drive a maximum of 80 km and if the circumstances are favourable (for
example, low load), even more.
The damaged tyre should be changed as soon as possible. The rim should be
checked in a specialist workshop to detect possible damage and replace it if necessary. We recommend you contact Technical Service. If more than one
tyre is being used under emergency co
nditions, this reduces the distance
which can be travelled.
Starting driving in emergency conditions
When loss in tyre pressure is displayed on the instrument panel, this means
that at least one tyre is being driven in emergency conditions ⇒.
End of emergency operation
Do not drive on if:
•smoke is coming from one of the tyres,•there is a smell of rubber,•the vehicle vibrates,•there is a rattling noise.
When is it no longer possible to continue driving even using run-flat tyres?•If the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) is out of operation.•If the tyre pressure monitoring system* does not work.•If one of the tyres has been severely damaged in an accident, etc. If a tyre
has been badly damaged there is a risk that parts of the tread can be thrown
off and cause damage to the fuel lines, brake pipes or fuel filler.•It is also advisable to stop driving if severe vibrations occur, or if the wheel
starts overheating and gives off smoke.WARNING
When driving in emergency conditions, the driving quality of the vehicle is
considerably impaired.•The maximum permitted speed of 80 km/h is subject to road and
weather conditions. Please observe legal requirements when doing so.•Avoid sharp turns and rapid manoeuvres, and brake earlier than usual.•Avoid driving over obstacles (for example kerbs) or potholes.
3)Depending upon version and country.
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Page 253 of 325
Wheels and tyres251
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
•If one or more tyres are being driven in emergency conditions, the
driving quality of the vehicle is impaired and there is a risk of accident.Note
•The run-flat tyres do not “deflate” on losing pressure because they are
supported on the reinforced sides. Therefore defects in the tyre cannot be
detected with a visual inspection.•Snow chains must not be used on front tyres used in emergency
conditions.New tyres and wheels
New tyres and wheels have to be run in.The tyres and wheel rims are an essential part of the vehicle's design. The
tyres and rims approved by SEAT are specially matched to the characteristics
of the vehicle and make a major contribution to good road holding and safe
handling ⇒.
Tyres should be replaced at least in pairs and not individually (i.e. both front
tyres or both rear tyres together). A knowledge of tyre designations makes it
easier to choose the correct tyres. Radial tyres have the tyre designations
marked on the sidewall, for example:
195/65 R15 91T
This contains the following information:
195 Tyre width in mm
65 Height/width ratio in %
RTyre construction: Radial
15 Rim diameter in inches 91 Load rating code
TSpeed rating
The tyres could also have the following information:
•A direction of rotation symbol•“Reinforced” denotes heavy-duty tyres.
The manufacturing date is also indicated on the tyre sidewall (possibly only
on the inner side of the wheel).
“DOT ... 1103...” means, for example, that the tyre was produced in the 11th
week of 2003.
We recommend that work on tyres and wheels be carried out by an Authorised
Service Centre. They are familiar with the procedure and have the necessary
special tools and spare parts as well as the proper facilities for disposing of
the old tyres.
Any Authorised Service Centre has full information on the technical require-
ments when installing or changing tyres, wheels or wheel trims.WARNING
•We recommend that you use only wheels and tyres which have been
approved by SEAT for your model. Failure to do so could impair vehicle
handling. Risk of accident.•Avoid running the vehicle on tyres that are more than six years old. If
you have no alternative, you should drive slowly and with extra care at all
times.•Never use old tyres or those with an unknown history of use.•If wheel trims are retrofitted, you must ensure that the flow of air to the
brakes is not restricted. This could cause them to overheat.•All four wheels must be fitted with radial tyres of the same type, size
(rolling circumference) and the same tread pattern.
WARNING (continued)
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Page 254 of 325
Wheels and tyres
252
For the sake of the environmentOld tyres must be disposed of according to the laws in the country concerned.
Note
•For technical reasons, it is not generally possible to use the wheels from
other vehicles. This can also apply to wheels of the same model. The use of
wheels or tyres which have not been approved by SEAT for use with your
model may invalidate the vehicle's type approval for use on public roads.•If the spare tyre is not the same as the tyres that are mounted on the
vehicle - for example with winter tyres - you should only use the spare tyre for
a short period of time and drive with extra care. Refit the normal road wheel
as soon as possible.Wheel bolts
Wheel bolts must be tightened to the correct torque.The design of wheel bolts is matched to the rims. If different wheel rims are
fitted, the correct wheel bolts with the right length and correctly shaped bolt
heads must be used. This ensures that wheels are fitted securely and that the
brake system functions correctly.
In certain circumstances, you should not use wheel bolts from a different
vehicle, even if it is the same model ⇒page 223.
After the wheels have been changed, the tightening torque of the wheel bolts
s ho uld b e che cke d as s o on as p ossible wit h a to rqu e w re nch. ⇒ The tight-
ening torque for steel and alloy wheels is 120 Nm.
WARNING
If the wheel bolts are not tightened correctly, the wheel could become
loose while driving. Risk of accident.•The wheel bolts must be clean and turn easily. Never apply grease or oil
to them.•Use only wheel bolts which belong to the wheel.•If the torque of the wheel bolts is too low, they could loosen whilst the
vehicle is in motion. Risk of accident! If the tightening torque is too high,
the wheel bolts and threads can be damaged.Caution
The prescribed tightening torque for wheel bolts for steel and alloy wheels is
120 Nm.Winter tyres
Winter tyres will improve the vehicles handling on snow and
ice.In winter conditions winter tyres will considerably improve the vehicle's
handling. The design of summer tyres (width, rubber compound, tread
pattern) gives less grip on ice and snow.
Winter tyres must be inflated to a pressure 0.2 bar higher than the pressures
specified for summer tyres (see sticker on tank flap).
Winter tyres must be fitted on all four wheels.
Information on permitted winter tyre sizes can be found in the vehicle's regis-
tration documents. Use only radial winter tyres. All tyre sizes listed in the
vehicle documentation also apply to winter tyres.
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Page 255 of 325
Wheels and tyres253
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Winter tyres lose their effectiveness when the tread is worn down to a depth
of 4 mm.
The speed rating code
⇒page 251, “New tyres and wheels” determines the
following speed limits for winter tyres: ⇒
Q max. 160 km/h
S max. 180 km/h
T max. 190 km/h
H max. 210 km/h
In some countries, vehicles which can exceed the speed rating of the fitted
tyre must have an appropriate sticker in the driver's field of view. These
stickers are available from your Authorised Service Centre. The legal require-
ments of each country must be followed.
Do not have winter tyres fitted for unnecessarily long periods. Vehicles with
summer tyres handle better when the roads are free of snow and ice.
If you have a flat tyre, please refer to the notes on the spare wheel
⇒ page 251, “New tyres and wheels”.
WARNING
The maximum speed for the winter tyres must not be exceeded. Otherwise,
this could lead to tyre damage and risk of accident.
For the sake of the environment
Fit your summer tyres again as soon as possible. They are quieter, do not wear
so quickly and reduce fuel consumption.
Snow chainsSnow chains may be fitted only to the front wheels, and only to certain tyre
sizes ⇒page 300.
Remove wheel hub covers and trim rings before fitting snow chains. For safety
reasons cover caps, available in any Authorised Service Centre, must then be
fitted over the wheel bolts.
WARNING
Observe the fitting instructions provid ed by the snow chain manufacturer.
Caution
You must remove the snow chains to drive on roads which are free of snow.
Otherwise they will impair handling, damage the tyres and wear out very
quickly.
Note
•In some countries, the speed limit for using snow chains is 50 km/h. The
legal requirements of the country should be followed.•We recommend that you ask your Authorised Service Centre for informa-
tion about appropriate wheel, tyre and snow chain size.205/55 R16
15 mm chains
225/45 R17
9 mm chains
225/40 R18
7 mm chains
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Page 256 of 325
If and when
254If and whenTools, tyre repair kit and spare wheelTools
The tools and jack are stored under the floor panel in the
luggage compartment.
The tools and jack ⇒fig. 190 for vehicles with a spare wheel
and for vehicles with the tyre repair kit are stored under the floor
panel in the luggage compartment.
– Take hold of handle and fold back the floor panel in the luggage compartment ⇒fig. 189 .
– Unscrew the attachment screw from cover ⇒fig. 189 .
– Remove cover.
– Release the toolbox by pulling up the handle on the box (vehicles equipped with spare wheel).
– Take out the tools or jack.The tool kit includes:
Fig. 189 Access to the
toolbox and jack
Fig. 190 Toolbox and jac
k
AA
ABAA
AB
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Page 257 of 325
If and when255
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
•A hook for removing wheel covers* or hub caps•Box spanner for wheel bolts•A screwdriver with reversible blade•Towing eye•An adapter for the anti-theft wheel bolts*
Before replacing the jack in the storage bin, wind down the arm of the jack as
far as it will go.
Some of the tools listed are only provided in certain models or are optional
extras.WARNING
•Do not use the hexagonal socket in the screwdriver handle to tighten
the wheel bolts, as with this it is not possible to tighten the bolts to the
required torque. Risk of accident.•The factory-supplied jack is only designed for changing wheels on this
model. On no account attempt to use it for lifting heavier vehicles or other
loads. Risk of injury.•Never start the engine when the vehicl e is raised. Failure to do so could
result in an accident.•I f w o r k is t o b e ca r r ie d o u t un d e r n ea t h t h e v e h ic l e , t h is m u s t be s e cu re d
by suitable stands. Otherwise, there is a risk of injury.
Tyre mobility system
The tyre mobility system is stored under the floor panel in the
luggage compartment.– Take hold of the handle and fold back the floor panel in the luggage compartment.
– Take out the tyre mobility system.Your vehicle is equipped with a Tyre Mobility System in case of a puncture.
The tyre mobility system consists of a container with sealing compound and
a compressor to generate the required tyre pressure.
Instructions for using the sealant compound and the compressor are
included with the sealant can.
Fig. 191 Tyre Mobility
System under floor panel
in luggage compartment
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Page 258 of 325
If and when
256Spare steel rim wheel
The spare steel rim wheel is carried in the wheel well under
the floor panel in the luggage compartment. It is only
intended for temporary use over short distances.Taking out the spare wheel
–Turn the plastic knob ⇒fig. 192 anti-clockwise.
– Take out the spare wheel.
Securing the defective wheel in the spare wheel well
– Place wheel in spare wheel well in the luggage compartment.
– Secure the wheel by turning plastic knob clockwise.
– Replace the floor panel before closing the tailgate.
Your vehicle can be factory-equipped with a spare steel wheel. The spare
wheel does not usually meet the same performance standards as the wheels
fitted on the vehicle because of the wheel/tyre dimensions, rubber composi-
tion, tread pattern, etc. Therefore, note the following restrictions:•The spare steel wheel is designed only for your vehicle model. Do not
attempt to mount the wheel on any vehicle but your own.•Your vehicle will have different driving characteristics when the spare
steel rim wheel is mounted ⇒ .•The spare wheel is only intended for temporary use after having a flat tyre.
Replace the spare wheel with a normal wheel that has the proper tyre dimen-
sions as soon as possible.•If the size of the spare steel rim wheel is different to that of the other
wheels, it is unlikely that snow chains suitable for the other wheels will fit it.WARNING
•After mounting the spare steel rim wheel, the tyre pressure must be
checked and corrected as soon as possible. The tyre pressure must corre-
spond to the vehicle load (consult the table containing the inflation pres-
sures). Otherwise there is danger of causing an accident. Use the highest
tyre pressure as indicated in the table.•Do not drive faster than 80 km/h, as higher speeds can cause an acci-
dent.•Avoid heavy acceleration, hard braking and fast cornering, as this could
cause an accident.
Fig. 192 Spare steel rim
wheel
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Page 259 of 325
If and when257
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Changing a wheelPreparation work
What you must do before changing a wheel.– If you have a flat tyre or puncture, park the vehicle as far away
from the flow of traffic as possible. Choose a location that is as
level as possible.
–All passengers should leave the vehicle. They should wait in a
safe place (e.g. behind the roadside crash barrier).
–Apply the handbrake firmly.
– Engage 1st gear .
– When towing a trailer: Unhitch the trailer from your vehicle.
– Take the tools and the spare wheel ⇒ page 254 out of the
luggage compartment.
WARNING
If you have a puncture in heavy traffic, switch on the hazard warning lights
and place the warning triangle in a visible location. This is for your own
safety and also warns other road users.
Caution
If you have to change the tyre on a gradient, block the wheel opposite the
wheel being changed by placing a stone or similar object under it to prevent
the vehicle from rolling away.
Note
Please observe legal requirements when doing so.Changing a wheel
Change the wheel as described below.– Remove the wheel cover.
–Loosen the wheel bolts ⇒page 258.
– Raise the vehicle with the jack ⇒page 259.
– Ta k e o f f the wheel with the flat tyre and then put on the spare
wheel ⇒page 260.
– Lower the vehicle.
– Tighten the wheel bolts firmly in diagonal sequence with the box
spanner ⇒page 258.
– Replace the cover.After changing a wheel
After changing the wheel, there are still tasks to complete.– Place the wheel with the defective tyre in the spare wheel well
and secure it.
– Put the tools and jack back in the luggage compartment.
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Page 260 of 325
If and when
258
–The inflation pressure of the newly fitted spare tyre must be
checked as soon as possible.
–Have the tightening torque of the wheel bolts checked as soon
as possible with a torque wrench. It must be 120 Nm (always
when cold)
–Have the flat tyre replaced as quickly as possible.
Note•If you notice that the wheel bolts are rusty and difficult to turn when
changing a wheel, they must be replaced before having the tightening torque
checked.•For your safety, drive at moderate speeds until the wheel bolt tightening
torque has been checked.
Loosening and tightening the wheel bolts
The wheel bolts must be loosened before raising the vehicle.Loosening
–Fit the box spanner as far as it will go over the wheel bolt
4).
– Grip the box spanner as close to the end as po ssible an d turn t he
wheel bolts about one turn anti-clockwise ⇒ fig. 193 -arrow- .
Tightening
– Fit the box spanner as far as it will go over the wheel bolt4).
– Grip the box spanner as close to the end as possible and tighten
the bolt firmly by turning clockwise.
4)An adapter is required to unscrew or tighten the anti-theft wheel bolts* ⇒page 261.
Fig. 193 Changing the
wheel: Loosen the wheel
bolts
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